I somehow relate to all three images above. But today, let’s focus on photography. Photography, as a passion and hobby, was revealed to me recently. I always had a very acute sensibility for images without ever considering looking thru the lens. One of the major reasons being the lack of time. As a single mother, I had my hands full with my beautiful and gorgeous children (that’s how an unbiased mother sounds like). I am a passionate mother, which often drives my children crazy but this is another chapter …). Today, things are different. I think I achieved a percept I always stood by: “Give your children roots of responsibility and wings of independence”. In other words, I am left with TIME. That precious element which often lacks in our lives.

So for the late bloomer that I am, Magnum speaks for theMagnum Photography, the international photographic cooperative owned by its photographer-members.

I love skating. Skating has always been part of my life. Be it as a child in Germany or at The Ice Palace in Tehran and of course later, in Toronto.

This gentlman was really into his pirouettes and crossed chasse.

He made me think of that very amusing sequence where Plushenko, Russian Olympic medalist danced on Tom Jones’ Sex Bomb. Moving on to the surroundings, there is a merry-go-around and…

lovers …lovers everywhere.

Charlie is still very present.

Welcoming words from Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris.

I started taking pics. The venue is majestic and very well chosen.

Skillfully displayed pictures and diaporamas.

The theme is, of course, Paris; its beauty, its flaws, its strengths and its aches thru the eyes of the great photographers such as Robert Capa, David “Chim” Seymour, Henri Cartier-Bresson, George Rodger and many more belonging to the Magnum group.

I was having a blast enjoying the pics and taking my own shots.

When a charming watchman walked up to me and said: “Mademoiselle” ( sight!!!) please do not take any pictures, bien sûre, there are no signs so I tell the patrons myself”.I was embarrassed, however his “Mademoiselle” touched a fine spot!

Being inspired by the shots , I pulled out my camera as soon as I walked out.

Faces…

and lovers. On the right bench there is the “before” and on the left bench the “after”…

Across from the Hôtel de Ville there is the BHV/Marais department store. A sibling of the Galeries Lafayette with only one other store in Beirut, Lebenon.

Time to head back home. Bus 39, a joyride across the narrow streets of St Germain.